New Avengers #29Review

Given my reservations about the Illuminati, I was hesitant to see this story come to fruition. Considering the events of Avengers vs. X-Men, it certainly makes sense for Captain America to call the members to meet in hopes of getting Namor to side with them. If he even shows up, that is. To my surprise, the entire issue works as the perfect vehicle to discuss the finer points of the event.

A great deal of this issue rests on Mike Deodato, who comes through with admirable results. He drapes the proceedings in heavy shadows to create the somber tone that hangs over this issue. Xavier has never looked more worn, and those shadows help to convey the dark place his character has gone to. Then there are the tiny bits of humor, including some odd glances at Tony and citations on which page Doctor Strange gets his teleportation spells.

The ideological discussions that make up the meat of the issue are well thought-out. I imagine the minds behind Avengers vs. X-Men had a nearly identical conversation during last year’s Marvel retreat. Even though the issue centers around Cap’s trust in Namor, it’s Xavier’s confession that earns the true standout moment. Although, given the absence of this sort of content in the actual event, and considering that it’s almost over, all of this debate seems to have come too little too late. Even if this issue ultimately proves the Illuminati don’t work, it reveals their one redeeming quality: an Illuminati issue is the place to go if you want to hear Marvel’s characters have valid discussions about the current big event.

Joshua is a writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter or IGN, where he is hell-bent on making sure you know his opinion about comic books.